Exemption from stamp duty in 2026: what does this mean for property buyers?

Buying property involves more costs than just the purchase price. For first-time buyers in particular, stamp duty can be a significant part of the financial calculation. In 2026, young buyers will be able to make use of the first-time buyer’s exemption, subject to certain conditions. They will then pay no stamp duty. The exemption therefore makes a difference of thousands of euros to the total cost of the purchase. At the same time, mortgage repayments remain just as important. With the mortgage interest rate comparison tool, you can easily compare your mortgage interest rates. By reviewing both the purchase costs and the monthly repayments in advance, you can gain a more complete financial picture of the property.

The first-time buyer exemption has clear conditions

The first-time buyer exemption is intended for property buyers who are of legal age and under 35 at the time of purchase. In addition, they must intend to live in the purchased property themselves for a prolonged period and must not have previously made use of the first-time buyer exemption. There is also a maximum property value. In 2026, this limit will be 555,000 euros. If the property is worth more than this, the first-time buyer exemption will be withdrawn entirely.

It is not only first-time buyers who purchase property

The rate is closely linked to the use of the property. For a property that the buyer uses as their main residence on a long-term basis, the rate of 2 per cent will, in principle, apply in 2026 if the first-time buyer exemption does not apply.

Other types of property

The situation is different for property that is not used as a main residence. For example, for a second home, holiday home or property intended for letting, the rate in 2026 will be 8 per cent. For other immovable property, including many commercial premises, a rate of 10.4 per cent applies. This distinction is important for anyone purchasing property for a purpose other than their own occupation.

Buying jointly

Are you buying a property jointly with a partner? In that case, eligibility for the first-time buyer’s exemption is assessed on an individual basis for each buyer. It is therefore possible that one buyer may be able to claim the exemption whilst the other cannot.

The property value threshold is not applied solely to the share that a person is purchasing. The full value of the property is taken into account when determining whether the €555,000 threshold is met.

Other tax considerations apply after the purchase

Transfer tax applies at the time the property is acquired. Afterwards, owners will have to deal with other financial and tax aspects of home ownership. The notional rental value is taken into account in your tax return. For a property that is considered your main residence, this amount is calculated on the basis of the WOZ value. For properties with a WOZ value of more than 75,000 euros up to and including 1,350,000 euros, the rate in 2026 will be 0.35 per cent. This means that the tax implications of home ownership remain relevant even after the transfer.

The notary plays an important role

Do you wish to make use of the first-time buyer’s exemption? If so, you must declare that you will be living in the purchased property yourself for the long term. This declaration must be submitted to the notary prior to the transfer. The declaration is often incorporated into the deed of transfer. Where there are multiple buyers, each person’s eligibility for the exemption is assessed individually.